Most body hair removal methods, epilating, waxing or laser hair removal come with certain levels of pain. Modern and high-quality hair removal devices are far less painful than cheaper models. The same is true for epilators. Modern epilators hurt far less than older models.
Even though most people feel lesser or no pain when using recent epilator models, others may have extra sensitive skin and a low pain threshold. Some areas of the body, like the face and bikini area, are more sensitive to pain than other areas.
Applying numbing creams before epilation eliminates all the pain and discomfort through easing the irritations caused by the epilator, and will give you an enjoyable hair removal experience. Given the many numbing creams crowding the market and all of them claiming they are the best, it is hard to know which one works. We have researched and read customer reviews and come up with these best over the counter numbing creams that you can use for epilators, DIY waxing or other hair removals.
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Table of Contents
1. Ebanel Numb 520 Topical Numbing Cream
Ebanel Numb 520 is Amazon’s best seller pain relief cream. It contains 5% Lidocaine which is the maximum amount allowed for over-the-counter numbing creams. The Stronger Lidocaine makes it work quickly and effectively. After 2 to 3 minutes of application, the cream numbs your skin and the effect lasts for about an hour. Depending on your skin type numbing effects may last 2 to 4 hours.
The cream also contains Aloe, Vitamin E, and lecithin which makes it not only an effective numbing cream, but also an anti-inflammation cream that combats irritation, redness, and skin burn. Unlike many over-the-counter numbing creams, Ebanel Numb 520 is not greasy or messy. It also doesn’t have a strong unpleasant smell, rather it is odorless, and water-based non-oily or greasy cream.
Ebanel Numb 520 is a budget over-the-counter numbing cream almost half the price of LMX4. It can be used for hair removal procedures and other painful skin treatments. The cream is safe for all skin types and all areas of the body. As with any skincare product, try it out on a small amount on your arm or leg and leave it for a couple of minutes to see its reactions to your skin.
2. LMX 4 Topical Anesthetic Cream
LMX 4 Topical Anesthetic cream is the best over the counter option widely used and recommended by hair removal experts. The cream contains 4% Lidocaine, a clinically proven chemical that temporally numbs the nerve endings in your skin, and causes loss of feeling. It is an effective skin numbing cream that helps in minimizing pain while using epilators, laser hair removal, and other painful skin treatments such as tattoos and tattoo removals.
LMX 4 has a non-oily and greasy feel and numbs your skin for 2 hours and you can apply it on any areas of your body. Apply a thin layer of the Cream on the area you are going to epilate 5 minutes before beginning the procedure and enjoy pain-free epilation.
3. Numb Master Topical Numbing Cream
Numb Master is a high performing and affordable over the counter numbing cream. It Contains 5% Lidocaine and it is quick and effective cream that activates after 2 to 3 minutes of application and picks after 20 to 25 minutes. It penetrates deeper to your skin and the numbing effect lasts for an hour. The cream is a water-based formula that is not greasy or oily and it doesn’t leave residue on your skin.
The formula also contains aloe, Vitamin E and Lecithin, to protect your skin from irritation, burn, and redness which is common during epilation or other hair removal procedures.
4. Uber Numb Topical Numbing Cream
Loved and top-rated by thousands of customers on Amazon, Uber Numb is an effective top of the line over the counter numbing cream. It is made in the USA with all-American value. The cream contains 5% Lidocaine and works faster and starts to activate right after you apply it to your skin. In about 20 to 25 minutes it reaches its peak numbing effect and keeps numbing for an hour. The formula is enriched with Vitamin E and reduces burns, irritations, and inflammation.
Uber Numb is a water-based formula that doesn’t leave oil or greasy residues on your skin and it will be washed away easily. It is one of the cheapest but quality options available on the market.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Numbing Cream for Epilator – Buying Guide
There are a couple of important things that you need to consider when buying a numbing cream that works for epilators. Epilators in general and the new models, in particular, are much less painful than other painful skin treatments, like tattoos, waxing, piercing, etc.
Most numbing creams are formulated to be used for painful skin procedures; however, if you have extra sensitive skin or you are removing hair from sensitive areas of the body, you might need to use numbing creams to ease the pain. Given the many over the counter numbing creams available at drug stores, you should get the right cream carefully rather than picking one randomly.
Check The Active Ingredients in the Cream
The main numbing ingredient in numbing creams is Lidocaine. The strength of the cream depends on the amount of Lidocaine it contains. 5% Lidocaine is the maximum amount allowed to over the counter numbing creams. Anything more than that needs Doctor’s prescription. Some numbing creams like LMX4 contain 4% Lidocaine, and most experts use them for laser hair removal procedures.
The cream should not contain harsh chemicals; instead, it is good for the skin if it contains anti-inflammatory agents such as aloe and Vitamin E. Avoid the cream if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients.
Check The Base
You should go for water-based creams as they are not oily or greasy and don’t leave residue on your skin.
Quality is Important
All the numbing creams out there on the market are not efficient. You need to do some research and read reviews before putting your hands on one. There are also risks associated with numbing creams. If you don’t use a quality numbing cream that doesn’t contain the right active ingredients in the right amounts, it might be very dangerous for your skin.
How to Apply a Numbing cream At Home
You can use over the counter numbing creams at home without the supervision of an expert. There are a couple of procedures you should follow;
1. Make sure you have the right cream for home use
Read the label carefully and make sure you are using over the counter cream that can be used at home without expert supervision. Such numbing creams should contain a maximum of 5% Lidocaine. Any strength over 5% requires a prescription and cannot be used at home.
2. Clean the area
Wash and dry the area of your body that you are going to apply the cream. Your skin should be clean from lotion or makeup residues as that might affect the efficiency of the numbing cream. The Lidocaine in the cream should contact your skin and numb the pain receptors right under your skin. Do not apply numbing creams if your skin has cut.
3. Put on a glove
Gloves protect your fingertips from getting numb. You are doing your own hair removal with epilators, and if your fingertips are numbed, it might be difficult to perform the procedure effectively.
4. Apply a thin layer of the cream
Apply a thin layer of the cream on the area that is going to be treated. Do not apply it on your genital, lips, broken, or cut skin.
5. Wait for 30 minutes
Most creams activate after 2 to 3 minutes of application and reach a peak after 30 minutes. Wait for 30 minutes till your skin numbs completely.
6. Wipe it off
Carefully, wipe the cream off your skin with a wet towel or wash it away. The numbing effect will last on your skin for the next 1 to 2 hours depending on your skin type.
7. Start Epilating
You can now start epilating. You have an hour for a pain-free epilation.
Is it Safe to Use a Numbing Cream?
When it comes it skin products, safety is a major concern. Lidocaine is the numbing agent in numbing creams. Generally, it is a safe topical anesthetic if it is used as directed. Overdose or misuse; however, can cause serious health problems and even might lead to death. Keep the following precautions in mind;
- Read the labels, drug facts, and instructions carefully and follow them.
- Do not use a numbing formula that contains over 5% Lidocaine.
- Do not apply it to broken or cut skin, as the cream might enter the bloodstream and cause serious illness.
- Numbing creams are for external use only.
- Do not put the cream for longer than the instructions indicate.
- Avoid wrapping with a plastic wrap or covering treated areas, as this might increase the likelihood of the cream penetrating your bloodstream.
- Do not apply to large areas of your body.
Other Ways to Reduce Epilator Pain
We have compiled these tips for a pain-free epilation.
